The first step in a successful move is finding the right community. Our Community Checklist will help you identify your needs in terms of general appearance and convenience. If you have school-aged children, use our Schools Checklist to evaluate the school system.

• Look for signs that the neighborhood is stable or will improve, such as home improvement activity
• Consider the quality of the school system, a major factor in determining home values
• Taxes may be lower and homes more affordable in less fashionable areas
• Take a test drive at rush hour to determine commuting time and find out if bus transportation is available if you have school-aged children
• Check the local zoning ordinances (for commercial development, undeveloped land, etc.), since housing often holds its value when the area is carefully zoned
• Consider the demographics of the neighborhood: average age, educational background, occupations, incomes, and lifestyle compatibility
• Consider safety issues: incidence of crime; distance from the fire station, police station, and hospital
• Check if property taxes and real estate assessments are recalculated at the time of resale and if there is potential for any special assessments (for sewers, waterlines, etc.) or tax increases because the community is growing quickly

Look for a home that not only meets your everyday needs but will sell quickly and profitably should you move again.